Shropshire Council looks at revenue raising plans
Taxi drivers, animal kennels and sex shops could all see licensing hikes of up to 60 per cent next year under new hard-line plans by Shirehall chiefs.
Taxi drivers, animal kennels and sex shops could all see licensing hikes of up to 60 per cent next year under new hard-line plans by Shirehall chiefs.
Officials at Shropshire Council say the authority charges businesses much less in licensing fees compared to neighbouring authorities and are now proposing huge cost increases over the next three years.
Those who could be hit the hardest include taxi drivers, with the cost of a three year driver's badge rising from £115 to £184 in the next financial year.
Private hire driver's operator's licences are also set to rocket by 50 per cent for a 12-month licence and by 60 per cent for a three year one.
Animal breeders, boarding kennels and catteries, riding establishments and pet shops could also suffer with fees due to rise between 25 per cent and 30 per cent next year.
Sex shop owners would also be expected to share the burden and could see the cost of an annual licence rise from £1,350 to £2,025 - 50 per cent - with a renewal costing £1,755, an increase of 30 per cent.
Members of Shropshire Council's strategic licensing committee will be asked to agree the charges tomorrow
A report by David Edwards, head of public protection, said there was scope for the council to raise licensing fees to reach the average of its neighbours
Subscribe to our NewsletterComments for: "Shropshire Council looks at revenue raising plans"
Double Dee
So, this is what a 'private sector recovery' looks like, is it?
Michael Dawes
Is it not the case that fees for sex shop licenses should reflect the cost of issueing the licence? and therefore should not be used as a general revenue raising tool. Most small retail businesses are finding the recession caused by irresponsible speculation in the banking sector difficult and these hikes may cause closure. Then the smaller fee is lost, the business rates are lost, the staff are on the dole and the shop remains empty and a blight in the street.
The licence fees are already excessive and probably reflect a moral judgement out of place in a less repressed society.
Other businesses will be similarly damaged.
Another own goal by Shropshire Council.
whipcrackaway
Yes..we don't expect Sex shops to be burdened with pain, that is solely for the pleasure of their customers..
Matt
Halve councillor's allowances. Simples!